SPAWN Annual Auction - Sat. April 17th, 2010

2010-04-15
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SPAWN Annual Auction - Sat. April 17th, 2010 Greenwood Inn and Suites, Corner Brook NL Thousands of dollars worth of items. Trips (Flowers River - Labrador, Tuckamore Lodge, Torrent River ) Rods, reels, lines, flies, household goods, outdoor and indoor clothing and gear, door prizes, special draws (case of liquor and a case of wine), tools, prints, original art, gift certificates. Something for old and young alike! Auctioneer Sean O'Keefe. Contact us for tickets Mon-Fri at 709-634-3012 or Keith at 639-1583 on the weekend. or email us at SpawnWebMail Have a great night out with friends of Atlantic salmon! Attention Atlantic Salmon Anglers! What are your thoughts on live release angling? The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is conducting a Live Release Survey and would like to hear from you. One angler who responds will win a signed, custom-framed, limited-edition copy of ASF’s 2009 print, Restigouche Evening, by Bruno Bobak, valued at $375. Please complete this survey by Thursday, April 15, 2010 to qualify for the draw. For more information or to complete the survey, please visit: http://atlanticsalmonfederation.org SPAWNER 2010 Magazine Wow! What a magazine we have in store for salmon anglers this year. Editor Ches Loughlin says "it would be wise to put your order in now for what is probably the best issue yet". If 2009 is any indication sales will be strong, so stay tuned for release dates and selling locations. As always you will be able to buy a copy from this site as well as some copies from years gone by. See SPAWNER. Thank you to those who contributed articles and photos for this issue. DFO Notices DFO advises that there was an error in the 2010 trout and smelt winter angling notice to anglers. The previous notice indicated the daily bag limit for Lake Trout in Labrador was two fish per day, when in fact it is three fish per day in Zones 3 to 6 and two fish in Zone 2. All other information contained in the notice is correct. DFO advises that the bag limit for Arctic Char on Northwest River, Bay d'Espoir has been changed for 2010. 2010 Trout and Smelt seasons announced by DFO. «« Read More »» Poaching Convictions Posted throughout the year Jan 9/2010 -> St. John's and Jackson's Arm men fined $3,500 each and banned from a recreational license for 5 years! Salmon net, salmon and a boat seized and forfeited to the Crown. Feb 1 -> $5250.00 in fines for Quirpon and St. Anthony poachers. Quirpon poacher banned from angling for three years and gear confiscated' -> Inland enforcement charges result in $900 in fines, forfeiture of objects seized and fishing bans for Lamaline and Point au Gaul poachers! -> Glenwood poacher handed $3,750.00 fine! -> $1,000 fine for Stephenville Crossing poacher. -> Wild Bight man has chunk taken out of him with $1,000 fine for illegal salmon! -> Quirpon man fined $3,500. Loses boat - motor - and more! -> Stephenville Crossing poacher fined $2,000! -> Poacher gets 150 days in jail and 5 year ban from fishing! -> Boat, motor, fishing equipment forfeited and $3,500 fine for Petit Forte man! «« Read More »» Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) Posted November, 2009 Fredericton - The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) opened its third round of competition for funding on November 1, 2009. Stephen Chase, the Foundation's Executive Director, announced a total of $300,000 will be awarded for projects beginning in the spring of 2010. «« Read More »» Greenland Buyout Posted November, 2009 In our recent Newsletter we left readers with the impression that it was NASCO that was the fundraising leader in the Greenland salmon buy-out. It should have stated that The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and The North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) were the go-getters when it came to funding. ASF is a partner with NASF of Iceland in the Greenland Conservation Agreement. Greenland fishermen have agreed to suspend their salmon fishery since 2002 in exchange for funding each year that engages fishermen in alternate employment and to keep their subsistence fishery as low as possible. As Sue Scott of ASF points out - "Genetic studies indicated that 86% (8,000) of the salmon caught in the subsistence fishery were North American with some coming from endangered populations in the USA and Canada." She also pointed out that the agreement continues until 2013 - "Dependant, of course, on our raising the required funds." The subsistence fishery increased from 9 tonnes in 2003 to 26.1 tonnes in 2008. ASF said Greenland is making an effort to improve catch-reporting in their subsistence fishery - "The success in this endeavor may be responsible for the increased harvest in this fishery." In other words the unreported catches are now becoming part of the recorded catches. SPAWN and other ASF Affiliates are certainly grateful to President Bill Taylor and ASF for their untiring efforts to improve salmon populations in North America. Editor «« Read More »» Poaching Article Posted October 7th, 2009 (Western Star) Two of four brothers from Jackson's Arm charged with poaching salmon have entered guilty pleas, but have agreed to wait until their two older siblings obtain legal representation before proceeding to the sentencing stage of the court process. Gordon and Maurice Head, aged 53 and 58 respectively, pleaded guilty in provincial court in Corner Brook Tuesday morning to three charges, namely possessing or fishing for Atlantic salmon contrary to the Fisheries Act, fishing for or catching and retaining salmon by a net without a licence for that purpose and fishing for Atlantic salmon during a closed time. Their older brothers - Cecil, 68, and Hubert, 64 - were charged with the same offences, alleged to have occurred near their hometown July 22. However, they have applied to be represented by a legal aid lawyer and opted to wait until they get some legal advice before entering pleas. All four persons were apprehended by Inland Fisheries Enforcement (IFE) officers form the Dept. of Justice. Crown attorney Jarret Hann told the court the facts of the case are sufficient to show all four men were equally involved in the three offences outlined. To avoid any potential conflict within the court process, Judge Kymil Howe asked the two who pleaded guilty if they would mind waiting until their brothers received the advice they were seeking before moving on to being sentenced. The brothers agreed and all of their matters will next be called Nov. 24. «« Read More »» SCNL AGM Posted October 5th, 2009 The Salmonid Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (SCNL) held its annual general meeting October 2-4 at Camp Hancock, just east of Gander. Anglers can expect changes in 2010 season regarding "Passing-The-Rod", an improved tag (sorry poachers :O) ) and some river classification changes/introductions. Representatives from conservation groups throughout the province, along with Federal and Provincial Govt. officials, will discuss Provincial and Federal enforcment, scheduling of salmon rivers, passing-the-rod, licensing and tags, forestry, aquaculture, plus many other topics related to improving the protection and enhancement of our salmon stocks. This the place NGOs get to open up about any concerns they may have with the way stocks are managed. Inland Fish Enforcement Continues to Net Poachers Posted August 31st, 2009 Recent surveillance and undercover operations conducted by the Inland Fish Enforcement agency of the Department of Justice has resulted in significant seizures and a total of 50 charges being laid against seven individuals. These charges are part of the ongoing operations of the agency as it attempts to eradicate destructive poaching activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recently near the community of Quirpon, Inland Fish Enforcement officers conducted a surveillance operation of organized poaching. This operation resulted in 26 charges against three individuals for the alleged offence of illegal netting of Atlantic salmon in coastal waters. Another organized poaching ring in the community of Norris Point was busted and three individuals are facing a total of nine charges for their alleged involvement in the illegal netting of Atlantic salmon in coastal waters. During the course of these operations officers seized three boats, 18 salmon, numerous nets and other poaching related equipment. An undercover operation near Grand Falls-Windsor resulted in 15 charges against one individual for a range of alleged offences including trafficking-in Atlantic salmon, illegal netting and possession. In total, officers have laid 235 fish related charges against 89 individuals and have issued a number of warnings this season. Also, 126 charges for alleged violations under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act, the Wild Life Act and the Criminal Code of Canada have been laid. A truck, eight boats, three all-terrain vehicles and many illegal nets have been seized. Two recent convictions against two individuals resulting from investigations in western Newfoundland have resulted in fines totaling $3,300. One of these individuals is prohibited from fishing inland waters for a year. As well, a conviction last week for a recent apprehension of an individual near Foxtrap has resulted in a fine of $1,500 for jigging salmon. Inland Fish Enforcement is committed to preserving the province's salmon and trout stocks by targeting and eliminating organized poaching activity. The public can anonymously report suspected poaching to the Inland Fish Enforcement poaching hotline at 1-877-820-0999, by contacting Crime Stoppers or through the Department of Justice website: www.gov.nl.ca/just/inlandfish/violation.htm. Items seized during investigation by Provincial Inland Fish Enforcement officers The Department of Justice has recently launched a new television ad campaign to raise awareness of this illegal activity. These ads can be viewed on the Department of Justice website: www.gov.nl.ca/just/inlandfish/. Media contact: Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 685-6612 kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca Salmon Violations Result in Heavy Fines and Forfeiture of Boat Posted August 7th, 2009 ST. JOHN'S, NL - In provincial court at St. John's on July 9, 2009, Everett Crann and Jeremy Brace of Chance Cove were both convicted of fishing for Atlantic salmon in coastal waters during a closed time. Mr. Crann was fined $2500 and his 12 foot aluminum boat, 50 fathom gillnet, trailer and seven Atlantic salmon were forfeited by the court. Mr. Brace was fined $2500. On June 25, 2009, fishery officers from the Bay Roberts detachment were conducting surveillance near Chance Cove, Trinity Bay and observed the two individuals fishing Atlantic salmon. Both were apprehended when they landed onshore. DFO is committed to the conservation and protection of marine resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activities may do so by contacting their nearest DFO office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. DFO Notices DFO reminds trout anglers that retention of Trout in St.Paul's Inlet on the Northern Penninsula is prohibited from January 1-31, 2010. «« Read More »» Transmitters planted in 30 salmon at Torrent River Last week technicians from DFO installed tracking transmitters in 30 Atlantic salmon at Torrent River, on NLs Great Northern Peninsula. The work is a continuation of a geological survey done last year to determine whether or not the Clifty Falls area of the river is causing injuries to fish. The study, commissioned by DFO, determined that the channel the fish go through at Clifty Falls has sharp knife-like porjections which may be the cause of cuts and abrasions witnessed on salmon in the viewing chamber of the fishway. The telemetry study is to determine if the migration goes through the North or South channel. Once this is determined work can be planned to correct the situation. In addition, the fish will be monitored right to the spawning beds - providing new science data. Tracking data will be downloaded from a satellite. An unfortunate side issue has developed at Torrent when salmon with the telemetry devices were found dead prompting an outcry from an anglers group in the area. They want the fishway shut down. This isn't a logical decision because figures released by the Torrent River Interpretation Centre say that only 16 fish of 1,300 through the fishway showed injuries. The dead fish are being found down-river of the fishway. The fact over 1,300 have made it through the fishway means those fish will be on their way to the spawning beds. Common sense says that's very important if the the run is to survive. Further, if the fishway is closed then the salmon will be trying to access up-river by attempting to jump the falls - which, as everyone one there knows, isn't possible (hence the construction of a fishway in the first place). While people are blaming the fishway and not the Clifty Falls area we can confirm that last year the fishway was drained and an inspection conducted to determine if, in fact, there were rough edges in the chamber slots that could cause damage. The inspection didn't reveal anything that should cause injury to migrating fish. As part of a committee formed over a year ago to look at the problem it's clear that rushing into a decision isn't the way to go. If it takes time to determine the exact problem, then so be it. Can you imagine the fracas if, as one angler suggested, they throw a stick of dynamite into the Clifty Falls area and things ended up worse. It's far better to go slow and be sure. So far it's been a costly process, however that says something about how serious the committee is to find a solution. Seeing dead salmon at Torrent is the last thing anyone wants. Of course, everyone is open to any magical solution to the problem and until someone can come up with one we must be cautious. By all means contact DFO if you think you have the answer. Until then. the assessment is proceeding in a step-by-step manner. Let's do it right the first time. The Torrent river steering committee consists of members from DFO (Habitat, Science and Management), SCNL, SPAWN, Town Council of Hawkes Bay and The Salmon Centre. For more information persons can contact DFO Area Director, John Lubar, who will direct inquires to the appropriate Branch. Mr. Lubar can be reached at: 709-637-4205 Now 92 salmon through Corner Brook Stream trap (Sept 15th) Two 12 lb fish on Saturday, Sept 12th. Today, Sept. 15th two more grilse. Salmon assessment began on Corner Brook Stream June 25th the first "official' visitor showed up in the trap along with a trout. Number 1, a large grilse, was released to move upstream. Following the construction of two fishways on two new dams in the stream 12 years ago, fry were reintroduced. Four years ago the first adults began to appear. SPAWN, under a contract with CEE (the Center for Environmental Excellence) at Memorial University, collected samples from the adipose of 50 fish and had DNA analysis done at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The results showed that the fish had markers from Humber River Fish (understandable since the fry came from Humber stock) and unique markers, meaning some of the original stock either survived in the area below the lower dam or came from landlocked salmon isolated when access was stopped. We are proud of the work to restore the river and will work diligently to ensure a positive outcome. Editor Tag replacement and "Passing the Rod" unresolved! (See new response under "Passing the Rod") Two very important enforcement requests have not been enacted! A full year has passed wherein all parties agreed that these changes are both necessary and important. The fact we still have the same salmon tag in 2009 means the poachers will have a field day once again by modifying their tags, meaning more retention/killing of illegal salmon. We had asked for a Tyvek seal for the tags so they could only be used once. When the seal is applied - that's IT! If it's messed with then it's blatantly obvious that someone tried to fool with it. What happened - Why don't we have the new tags?? The other matter of "Passing the Rod" was anticipated to be in place before the opening, June 1st. We understand that this isn't a done deal just yet and that right now the hangup is because it's making the rounds in Provincial Govt. offices. It could very well be in place before the main runs hit the rivers. These two issues need urgent attention and if Governments are serious about putting the clamps on abusers we need action now, not later. Someone in the Province with authority needs to find out where the "Passing the Rod" document is and issue a directive to get it moving before it's too late. (It was brought to our attention that we give the impression we are fully against passing the rod to anyone. For clarification, we see nothing wrong with a father passing the rod to son, daughter, or wife - under a family license. It's the abuse of the practice that we object to, as happened last year when anglers were hooking fish and passing the rod to every Tom, Dick and Harry that came along) 2009-2010 Angler's Guide Posted on May 26th, 2009 The 2009-10 Angler's Guide is available on-line at: Anglers Guide One Dam Removal A Year - CBP & P and SPAWN to make it happen Posted on May 22nd, 2009 In "the old days" when pulpwood was floated down rivers many of the tributaries had dams built on them to control water levels. At a recent meeting SPAWN held with officials of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBP & P) they agreed to examine removal of wooden dams no longer needed. (floating wood down rivers is now an environmental no-no). The first one targetted for removal is on Camp 11 Brook, a small tributary that flows into Pinchgut Lake, which in turn is part of the great Harry's River system. This Monday SPAWN representatives and DFO Habitat Coordinator, Darrin Sooley, will conduct an on-site visit to examine how best to effect the removal. Buffer Zones To Increase Posted on May 21st, 2009 Concerned that cutting operations in the CBP & Paper five-year plans would affect spawning areas, SPAWN has met with their Woodlands Division several times since February. The result was that we were supplied with cutting maps that gave us an opportunity to identify critical areas. Using the results of three years of Redd surveys, which contained data from nearly all of the Harry's River tributaries, we could quickly identify areas of concern. At the last meeting between the two organizations we presented our findings to Mill officials and the result is that the buffer zones on sections of tributaries identified will be increased to protect them. In addition, we were informed at one of the earlier meetings that the buffer zones adjacent to the main stem of Harry's will be 300 meters. Good news indeed. For Information on: Sunrise/Sunset - Tides - Weather - Distances - Highway cameras - Places to fish - Ferry services - Fishing organizations... Look at our comprehensive "Links" on the left. Special Trout Management Posted on April 1st, 2009 Special Trout Management areas closed as of April 1st. «« Read More »» "Operation Click" Poacher given $3,750 in fines and kisses truck goodbye! Posted on April 7th, 2009 Paul William Russell of St. Jude's NL learned it really doesn't pay to poach! Russell plead guilty to several Provincial offences, including possession of untagged salmon and not tagging a salmon. Mr. Russell was apprehended by IFEP officers during the takedown of Operation "Click" on August 22, 2008. Operation "Click" was a 15 month investigation conducted by the IFEP into salmon poaching on the Humber River at the Deer Lake Tailrace. His Federal offence was for retaining more salmon than the quota allowed. The Federal offence "netted" him a $1,500 fine plus he had to forfeit his 1992 pick-up truck and fishing gear (rod, reel, vest). Other court orders said that over the next 5 years he must stay at least 10 metres from fisheries waters except for ferry and coastal boat travel, crossing over ice while snowmobiling and crossing bridges. He was also told not to fish within 500 metres of The Tailrace for 10 years. (The area known as The Tailrace is just below the Deer Lake powerhouse). Under the Provincial offences he was ordered to pay a $200 fine, a $2,000 fine and forfeited the four salmon that were seized by officers. And it didn't stop there - Russell is banned from buying a fishing license for five years. In administering judgement Judge Catherine Allen-Westby stated - 'Our salmon stocks are sacred in this Province. A message must be sent loud and clear that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable." SPAWN couldn't agree more and we are more than pleased to see poachers pay for their dirty work. We congratulate IFEP (Inland Fish Enforcement Protection) for effectively carrying out "Operation Click". Well done! Trout Research Posted on March 21st, 2009 Trout research and management should be 100% Provincial responsibility. «« Read More »» Poaching :: Operation Click Posted on March 21st, 2009 Poachers fined on the 2008 Operation Click. «« Read More »» Didson Recorders Posted on September 21st, 2008 DIDSON data recorders are proving their worth. Summer trials were successful on Eagle river, Labrador. We asked DFO Scientist Dave Redden for an update and the news is GOOD! «« Read More »» Salmon Wonders Take a peek at a new section we've added called "Salmon Wonders". The first installment is about The Underground Hole on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula, where salmon journey through underground chambers to reach their spawning grounds. We'll be adding to this section in the coming weeks.